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Apple confirms that it has acquired TestFlight creator Burstly

Apple has confirmed reports that it has acquired Burstly, the development team behind app beta testing platform TestFlight. The news was first reported by TechCrunch earlier today. An Apple spokesperson confirmed the news in a statement saying:

Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.

Bustly’s acquisition is a good sign that Apple is interested in improving its testing framework for iOS developers. Among its services include TestFlight and also SkyRocket, a service that helps developers monetize their applications. The latter option could help bolster Apple’s iAds product offering.

Signs of the impending deal appeared earlier this week when Burstly announced it was terminating support for Android on TestFlight, along with discontinuing its SDK. While there’s no word about what will happen to TestFlight and SkyRocket when the deal closes, iOS developers may see improved elements to help garner feedback earlier in the app development process instead of once it’s live in the world.

The addition of Burstly also enhances Apple’s capabilities to compete against Google’s Play Developer Console, which lets you test apps against a group of users through alpha-, beta-, and staged rollout phases.

Ken Yeung is a reporter for The Next Web based in San Francisco, CA. He carries around a big camera & likes to write about tech, startups, parties, and interesting people. Follow him on Twitter, on Facebook, and Google+.